Aggies stun No. 1 Alabama 29-24 in Bryant-Denny

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference has a definitive answer on whether Texas A&M can succeed in its rugged league with an up-tempo offense.

Yes. A resounding yes, in fact.

The Aggies burst to a 20-0 lead and held on tight for a 29-24 victory over top-ranked Alabama before 101,821 stunned fans in Bryant-Denny Stadium. A&M, under first-year coach Kevin Sumlin, likely dashed the Crimson Tide’s hopes of a second consecutive national championship.

The Aggies’ upset came nearly 10 years to the day that A&M toppled No. 1 Oklahoma on Nov. 9, 2002. But that was in the Aggies’ friendly confines of Kyle Field – today’s outcome surprised most everyone but the Aggies themselves, who’ve won three consecutive SEC road games against Auburn, Mississippi State and now Alabama.

“I’m happiest for our seniors,” said Sumlin, hired from Houston last December to resurrect a program that had played .500 ball over the past decade under Dennis Franchione and Mike Sherman.

A&M freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel buoyed his Heisman Trophy hopes, as well, by completing 24 of 31 passes for 253 yards with two touchdown passes. While he was at it Manziel tied for the game high with 92 rushing yards.

A&M defensive back Deshazor Everett sealed the victory with an interception on the goal line with 1:36 remaining in the contest.

Following the three road games, A&M returns home to face Sam Houston State this coming Saturday and will close out the regular season with a final home game against Missouri. Alabama lost its first home game since last season against LSU — which also was its last loss en route to the 2011 national title.